WASHINGTON, DC — As early as Thursday, the U.S. Senate could hold a vote on Steven Menashi, President Trump’s nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Menashi has endorsed the view that “Islamic countries” are inferior to western ones. He also once wrote that our national security policies should be more like the ghoulish myth that General John Pershing executed Muslims “with bullets dipped in pig fat.” The following is a statement issued today from Muslim Advocates Executive Director Farhana Khera urging senators to oppose Menashi:

“It is outrageous that a man who trafficked in false and dehumanizing smears about Muslims passed around fringe message boards could fill a seat on the Second Circuit once held by Thurgood Marshall. Fortunately, senators can prevent that from happening by voting to oppose this unfit and unqualified nominee.

Menashi has shown himself to be deeply hostile to not just American Muslims, but also women, LGBTQ Americans and other vulnerable communities. Republican Sen. Susan Collins even cited this as a reason why she will oppose his nomination, demonstrating that opposition to Menashi is not just a symbolic fight. It is a fight we can win and must win.”